Censorship of the Press.
Abstract
This paper examines censorship of the American Press: past, present, and outlook for the future. The role of the press in the United States is viewed from the perception of the journalist and the government. Two recent free-press conflicts are reviewed in order to provide current insight into goverment officials' thinking and recent trends in court cases concerning a reporters' professional privilege under the Constitution. Based on the opinions and practices of the people who operate the media, the public demands that the press be accurate; it must not lie; it must identify fact as fact and opinion as opinion; and should separate news from opinion. The future does not seem to hold a place for control of the press; however, from all indicators it does appear that the public expects or at least would prefer some form of guardian of the press made up of newspapermen, broadcasters, etc., to practice self-discipline. The conclusions seem inescapable. Newspapermen and broadcasters had better take some action to discipline themselves before the government does it for them. That is reason enough for the press to welcome a small voice of conscience whose only strength is the newsmen's own willingness to listen. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0913425
Entities
People
- Linus W. Freeman
- Richard F. Gibbs
Organizations
- United States Army War College